Bipartisan legislation introduced on Jan. 27 by U.S. Sens. Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Todd Young (R-IN) aims to improve the nation’s forecasting of tornadoes and other hazardous weather.
“With the quality of modern forecasting systems, we should be delivering faster warnings for severe weather,” said Sen. Wicker, adding that the measure would update alerts and communication systems with the latest best practices and scientific insights.
“Advanced warnings will ensure Mississippians can better protect their families, homes, and businesses,” said the senator, who sponsored the Tornado Observation Research Notification and Deployment to Operations (TORNADO) Act, S. 258, with eight original cosponsors, including Sen. Young and U.S. Sens. Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Gary Peters (D-MI).
If enacted, S. 258 also would require the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to update its methods for predicting and communicating weather alerts to residents by implementing new technology and procedures, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
“While we can’t prevent storms from occurring, the TORNADO Act will improve severe weather forecasting, notifying the public faster and allowing Hoosiers to find safety more quickly,” Sen. Young said. “This bill will better protect communities in Indiana and across the nation when severe weather comes.”
Among other provisions, the TORNADO Act would require NOAA to prepare and submit an action plan for the national implementation of high-resolution probabilistic guidance for tornado forecasting and prediction, and to coordinate with appropriate entities when conducting post-storm assessments to optimize data collection, sharing, and integration, the summary says.
“Storms and natural disasters are becoming more frequent and severe. We need to make sure our communities have the tools to accurately predict and quickly respond to dangerous weather events like tornadoes and flash floods,” said Sen. Peters. “I’m proud to again help lead this bipartisan bill to improve our nation’s forecasting and warning systems for hazardous weather to protect the lives and livelihoods of folks across our state.”
The bill has been referred for consideration to the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee.